Idealist, Realist or Cynic?

[Screaming Lord Byron]

No explanation needed.
Is there enough of a distinction between realist and cynic?
That might just be my endlessly cynical nature, though. Just kidding. I'm a realist. A cynical realist.

[Bonhomme Richard]

1. Both Idealist and Realist

I know how things are but believe thay can and will get better.
If that makes any sense.

[AG78]

7. I have the same problem

I know how things are.
I believe they could/can/have to be better.
I know from history though that it usually doesn't get better in the long run.

It's quite the little reality we all live in. When you think about it, just the whole thing, it makes your brain melt.

[Renew Deal]

2. Let's be real. Vermin Supreme is the only real democrat

Or is it Vince Hamm?

[Az]

3. The required jokes

An optimist is someone that believes this is the best of all worlds.
A pessimist is someone that is worried they are right.

These scientists are trying to find out if their is a funidmental difference between optimists and pessimists. To this end they find the best examples of each amongst some children.

They place the pessimistic child in a room full of toys and leave to watch. The child soon starts moving the toys away from himself and eventually is left sitting in a big empty circle. The scientists go back in and ask him what he is doing. The child replies, "Well these aren't my toys so if I play with them and break them I will get in trouble."

After making some notes they place the optimistic kid in a room full of horse manure. After a few seconds of observation the kid starts throwing manure all over the place. They rush in and ask what he is up to. He replies, "with all the horse manure there has to be a horse around here somewhere!"


An optimist thinks the glass is half full
A pessimists thinks its half empty
A cynic thinks its half full of poison.

[Vernunft II]

4. Cynics are disappointed romantics...

I sure am one.

[Loonman]

5. Sophists are lame

I'm a cynic.

[Paradox_Mystery]

6. have to keep hoping

<eom>

[newyawker99]

11. Hi Paradox_Mystery!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Minstrel Boy]

8. Until proven mad, I remain cautiously paranoid.

Realistically cynical? If it were only the sky that was falling, I wouldn't worry so much.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

9. But are cynics idealists who got burned?

[zonmoy]

10. How about nihlistic realist.